Churches and Pubs

Two types of building that are plentiful in York are Churches and Public Houses. The Brigadier Gerard pub and Monkgate Methodists are close by one another.

Cafe Concerto

A poster from the wall of Cafe Concerto, a pleasant place for a meal or a quick cuppa close by York Minster.

Art of Conversation

So, would you be tempted by this sign to go into the pub for a pint?

Summer Swan

A view of The Swan from the city walls taken earlier this year. The place to go for a well kept pint of Timothy Taylors Landlord in the lovely 1930's interior.

Old Inn

This building has housed a pub for as long as I can remember, indeed with that arched side entrance it looks like an old coaching inn. It is a Grade II listed building dating from 1896, and it looks like it has had to work hard for a living. It has had a variety of names including The Yorkshire Hussar, The First Hussar, and The Other Tap and Spile. It has just had another name change, come back tomorrow to find out more.

Time for New Windows?

The windows on this pub give an insight into its history. Smoking is no longer allowed in any public building, and this smoke room is now the ladies toilets (where I suspect the odd cigarette may still be lit!). Originally called The Kings Arms it changed its name in the 19th Century to Ouse Bridge Inn (it is built next to the bridge), it has now reverted back to being The King Arms again. Glad they have kept the old windows, they do add character.

Would you be tempted in here?

...............for a drink or..............

Cafe Window

This cafe on Castlegate likes flowers, and dogs. The dog on his Penny Farthing is chained to the windowsill. Very wise, no bike should be left unchained in the city centre!

St Martins Lane

St Martins Lane is a typical narrow York back street paved with setts. A 2 bedroom flat in the modern building on the right costs around £150,000. If you were to walk across the street into the very pleasant Ackhorne pub on the left a pint of well kept real ale would be around £3.20

Cafe Chairs

You have a choice, padded chairs if you are in here to linger over a skinny latte whilst you catch up with your mates. Upright chairs if you need to pull up close to  the table to get down to some serious eating.
Taking part in City Daily Photo Theme Day

No change here!

Which we can only assume must be a good thing!

Rodney, you plonker..............

The famous catchphrase of the post title from the BBC comedy show 'Only Fools and Horses gives a clue to the name of this bar. A replica of The Trotters Independent Trading Company staff vehicle is embedded into the wall of where else but Plonkers Wine Bar.

Corner Horse

The Bay Horse on Marygate is that rare beast, a public house that has re-opened and remained open. It is a Grade II listed building sited on a corner, and as I walked past I noticed this stone horse for the first time. It is set into the actual corner of the building which must have made carving the stone into shape extra difficult. It looks rather worn and discoloured but I think that adds to its charm.

Blue Bicycle 2

Not sure I would leave my bike in the centre of town without chaining it up to something fixed. Maybe the owner was in a hurry to sample the Fine Ales at The Golden Slipper. Talking of which, do you think the bike belongs to Cinderella or Prince Charming?

Sign of the Times 2

In contrast to the empty shop of yesterday there are some new business ventures in the city. There has been a pub, nightclub or bar on this site for many years, although it does seem to change its image regularly, which is part of the plan I guess.

A Fine Pint

This is the entrance to Thomas's Bar in York. Currently they have my all time favourite Real Ale on tap. Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby Mild is brewed in Sedgley and rarely makes it's way up to this part of the world. Mild is a bit of a misnomer as it is a 6% ABV brew. Sarah Hughes was the grandmother of the current brewery owner and this is brewed to her original recipe, give that woman a medal! What is the beer like? Well it is a deep red colour as the name implies and is a complex mix of sweet syrup, dates, raisins, molasses and dark chocolate, it has a brief dry hoppy flavour but leaves a lasting sweet caramel taste in the mouth. Not to everyones taste thank goodness but very very drinkable.

The King's Arms

The King's Arms Public House is situated on King’s Staithe which was a major quayside until the 19th century. This is an early 17th century building which may originally have been used as a custom house or warehouse. It was first recorded as a pub around 1783.

The monarch on the pub sign is King Richard III, last king of the House of York. He grew up at Middleham Castle, and as Duke of Gloucester visited York frequently from his castle at Sheriff Hutton. He was very popular locally, and invested his son Prince of Wales in York Minster.  After the battle of Bosworth it is recorded in the Council Minutes, "that King Richard, late lawfully reigning over us, was through great treason piteously slain and murdered, to the great heaviness of this City".

This building is used as something of a flood barometer for York folk. if the pub is still open then nothing to worry about. If the water has reached the bottom windows then don't go out without waterproof boots. If it has reached the upper storey windows expect to swap the bike for a boat if you need to cross town.

Time for Tea

The decor in this elegant tea room was inspired by that of the cruise liner The Queen Mary. Mirrors and wood paneling with lots of coloured lights in the windows combine to give it an Art Deco feel. Waiters and waitresses are dressed up in traditional uniforms and customers may be treated to a musical accompaniment on the baby grand piano. Be prepared to queue to get a seat and watch the world go by as you eat, or treat yourself to delicious take-away cakes to enjoy later.

Cock and Bottle Story

This rather modern looking pub is reputedly haunted by the ghost of George Villiers, the first or second Duke of Buckingham depending on which version of the story you read. He is said to have forced his affections on unwilling ladies but then to have vanished very quickly if their husbands and brothers came after him. There is even a suggestion that he was the Georgie Porgie from the nursery rhyme.

Georgie Porgie, pudding and pie,
Kissed the girls and made them cry.
When the boys came out to play,
Georgie Porgie ran away.

The ghost in the Cock and Bottle is seen mostly by women and described as a shadowy figure with long hair and embroidered clothing. I remember reading a report by a 'ghost hunter' which noted
"The Duke of Buckingham II haunts the Cock and Bottle Inn. While alive he had quite an eye for the ladies and in death he often appears in the toilets".
Quite.

Black Swan Black Cat

This is a relatively new addition to the cats of York and stands out well against the white background of the Black Swan pub. Black Swans are not native to the UK, and I have always wondered why so many pubs have this name. One suggestion is that as the Black Swan is a rare bird a pub of this name may be of rare (exceptional) quality. Locally this pub is known as the 'Mucky Duck' and is certainly worth a visit if you enjoy folk music.